Leeds United’s pursuit of striker hits stumbling block

The 26-year-old has been in talks with the Championship outfit, with his current club Kasimpasa reportedly looking for around £3.6million to part company with the forward.

Any momentum the potential deal had picked up has been put on hold, as the Diagne is required to apply to the FA for a work permit to complete the move.

There is a potential loophole that could work in Leeds’ favour though, as the Senegal-born striker has featured for two clubs in Italy earlier in his career.

Diagne signed for A.S.D Brandizzo as a youth player before working his way into the first team, and subsequently earning a move to Juventus in 2013. His time in Italy means that the striker is able to apply for an EU passport, meaning he would no longer require a permit to complete his switch to Elland Road.

Leeds still face competition from Championship rivals Hull City and Reading, with Premier League side Bournemouth also interested in his signature.

Diagne was a highly-rated youngster during his time in Turin, but struggled to make an impact before being shipped out on loan a number of times.

He looks to have rediscovered his form at Kasimpasa though, as he found the net 12 times in the Super Lig last campaign, with six of those goals coming in his last three appearances.

Leeds will be hoping he can continue that level of performance if they can iron out the kinks of this potential move and defeat the competition to Diagne’s signature.

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